WHEREAS the Conservative government has cut per-student funding by more than $1500 since 2018 when inflation is factored in;
WHEREAS class sizes in our public schools are very high, impacting the quality of education our kids receive;
WHEREAS the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) faces a huge funding gap for the 2025-2026 year, including a $38.5 million shortfall for students with special education needs and $10.9 million for student and staff mental health, safety and well-being support.
WE, THE UNDERSIGNED, PETITION THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO AS FOLLOWS:
- Immediately reverse the provincial takeover of Ontario’s school boards and reinstate democratically elected Trustees and our school boards;
- Ensure the provincial budget allocates funds to avoid any cuts to education funding in Ontario;
- Restore classroom funding lost due to inflation since 2018;
- Fully fund statutory benefits (CPP and EI) for school boards;
- Fix our schools with sustainable funding for the school repair backlog across Ontario;
- Reimburse TDSB for $61 million spent from reserves to keep students and staff safe during the COVID pandemic; and
- Stop the crisis you are creating with families, with businesses and workers across our province.